Sparring Dummy

ABSTRACT

A human form sparring dummy including a torso, a head attached to the torso, movable arms attached to the torso, and a springy base attached to the torso. The springy base further includes a stand and a springy attachment between the stand and the torso. The springy attachment between the stand and the torso causes the human form sparring dummy to rebound at least partially laterally from strikes to present a moving target. Also, a sparring dummy that includes a base, a leg attached to the base, a torso attached to the leg, a head attached to the torso, movable arms attached to the torso, and springy attachments between at least two of the base and the leg in an ankle area, parts of the leg in a knee area, the leg and the torso in a waist area, and the torso and the head in a neck area.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/167,109 filed 6 Apr. 2009 and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/754,478 filed 5 Apr. 2010, both in the name of the inventor. These applications are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

This application is submitted in the name of the following inventor:

Residence City Inventor Citizenship and State Daniel BLAIES United States Gahanna, OH

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a human form sparring dummy with movable arms and a springy base.

2. Description of the Related Art

Numerous human form sparring dummies exist. However, conventional sparring dummies are stiffly affixed to their base, which tends to produce a somewhat less than satisfying sparring experience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVETION

One embodiment of the invention addresses the foregoing with a human form sparring dummy that includes a torso along with a head and preferably movable arms attached to the torso. The sparring dummy also preferably is mounted on springy base. This springy base allows the dummy to be moved by strikes. The springy base also causes the dummy to rebound from this movement, providing a moving target for practicing strikes. As a result, the sparring dummy tends to provide a more satisfying sparring experience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a human form sparring dummy according to the invention.

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of an optional controller for a human form sparring dummy according to the invention.

FIGS. 3 to 5 show additional embodiments of a human form sparring dummy according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Existing human form sparring dummies do not provide a moving target and are boring to use. In contrast, the sparring dummy of the invention provides a moving target and is much more entertaining to use.

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a human form sparring dummy according to the invention. Sparring dummy 1 includes torso 2 along with head 3 and preferably movable arms 4 attached to the torso.

In one embodiment, metal rods forming a cross shape are used as a framework for the torso, and heavy gauge wire is used as the framework for the arms. The wire preferably is attached to the metal cross shape at the dummy's shoulders. The framework can be wrapped with padding such as carpet padding and wrapped with tape such as duct tape. Solid padding can be used for the head. Clothing also can be placed on the dummy. This arrangement allows for significant movement of the arms at the shoulders. In addition, the arms can be bent and moved, for example at the elbows. This arrangement allows for positioning the sparring dummy in a wide range of stances. Strikes to the dummy's head and torso past the arms can be practiced. In addition, strikes for blocking and moving the arms can be practiced. In addition, boxing gloves preferably are placed on the ends of the arms for sparring dummies intended to be used for boxing practice.

In other embodiments, different materials and constructions can be used. These include but are not limited to injection molded rubber or plastic with joints for the arms and preferably elbows. Other accessories different from boxing gloves also can be used, for example but not limited to rattan armor for practicing kendo, a gi, and the like.

Sparring dummies of various sizes can be made. Larger ones can be provided for use by stronger, more experienced fighters. Smaller ones can be provided for use by children.

Sparring dummy 1 in FIG. 1 is mounted on springy base 5. This springy base allows the dummy to be moved by strikes. The springy base also causes the dummy to rebound from this movement, providing a moving target for practicing strikes.

In a preferred embodiment, springy base 5 includes stand 6 and springy attachment 7 between the stand and the torso. In some embodiments, stand 6 is sufficiently heavy to keep the sparring dummy in place during strikes. In other embodiments, stand 6 can be bolted to the ground.

Springy attachment 7 can be made from any sufficiently strong and durable material with memory, for example spring metal, rubber, or elastic plastic. Other materials can be used. In a preferred embodiment, springy attachment 7 is a heavy duty metal spring.

While springy attachment 7 preferably is attached directly to torso 2 as shown, other structures such as legs can be interposed between the attachment and the torso.

In some embodiments, targets 8 can be placed at various locations on the sparring dummy. FIG. 1 shows one possible arrangement. Others are possible. These targets can be simple marking or colored material. Alternatively, the targets can include visual strike indicators such as lights, strike detectors, or both.

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of an optional controller for a human form sparring dummy according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the controller is in a separate housing from the sparring dummy and is connected to the sparring dummy's targets via wired communication, wireless communication, or any other communication arrangement.

Controller 10 preferably controls the strike indicators, receives strike data from the strike detectors, and/or outputs a score based on the strike data. Thus, the shown embodiment of controller 10 includes processor 11, memory 12 storing instructions and possibly target patterns (see below), target control input and output 13 for targets 14, and score output 15 for score display 16.

Controller 10 preferably can control the targets' visual strike indicators in a target pattern. This pattern can be random. Alternatively, the pattern could follow the strikes for a kata (i.e., practice routine) or the strikes that occurred in some previous fight, for example as shown by a video or DVD of a classic fight or boxing match. A user interface (not shown) can be provided for selecting one of these target patterns. Controller 10 preferably can generate and output a score based on strike data from the strike detectors that indicate how well a person followed the selected pattern.

Other types of controllers, control arrangements, target patterns, scoring systems, and the like can be used with the sparing dummy. Alternatively, the sparing dummy might not include any controller at all.

The sparring dummy optionally can be combined with other exercise equipment, for example but not limited to a sit up seat, elastic bands for resistance training, and the like.

Text Added for Continuation-in-Part Application

As should be clear from the foregoing, the springy attachment between the stand and the torso causes the human form sparring dummy to rebound from strikes to present a moving target. In a preferred embodiment, the springy attachment between the stand and the torso can cause the human form sparring dummy to rebound at least partially laterally from strikes such as punches and kicks. This lateral movement can provide a more realistic sparring experience by at least partially emulating the way in which an opponent's torso might move.

In order to present a more human-like sparring dummy for grappling and take-down practice, additional springy attachments can be incorporated. Preferably, the springy attachments can be located at positions that match one or more of a person's ankle, knee, waist, and neck areas. These springy attachments preferably simulate the fact that the human body can bend at these locations.

Thus, FIG. 3 shows a human form sparring dummy that includes head 11, torso 12, leg 13, and base 14. Springy attachments 15 to 18 are located between head 11 and torso 12 in a neck area, between torso 12 and leg 13 in a waist area, between parts of leg 13 in a knee area, and between leg 13 and base 14 in an ankle area. In different embodiments, one, some, or all of these springy attachments can be includes.

A simplified version of sparring dummy of FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. 4 with springy attachments 19 and 20 in waist and ankle areas.

A more complex version of the sparring dummy of FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, two legs 21 and 22 are included with springy attachments 21 to 26 in waist, knee, and ankle areas. This arrangement preferably allows the sparring dummy to be twisted about the waist, knees, and ankles and to rebound from such twisting.

Aspects of any of the foregoing embodiments can be combined, and springy attachments also can be incorporated in other ways and at other positions.

Alternative Embodiments

The invention is in no way limited to the specifics of any particular embodiments and examples disclosed herein. For example, the terms “preferably,” “preferred embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “this embodiment,” “alternative embodiment,” “alternatively” and the like denote features that are preferable but not essential to include in embodiments of the invention. Many other variations are possible which remain within the content, scope and spirit of the invention, and these variations would become clear to those skilled in the art after perusal of this application. 

1. A human form sparring dummy, comprising: a torso; a head attached to the torso; movable arms attached to the torso; and a springy base attached to the torso; wherein the springy base further comprises a stand and a springy attachment between the stand and the torso; and wherein the springy attachment between the stand and the torso causes the human form sparring dummy to rebound at least partially laterally from strikes to present a moving target.
 2. A human form sparring dummy as in claim 1, wherein the springy attachment consists of flexible metal with memory.
 3. A human form sparring dummy as in claim 2, wherein the flexible metal with memory consists of a spring.
 4. A human form sparring dummy as in claim 1, wherein the springy attachment comprises rubber or elastic plastic.
 5. A human form sparring dummy, comprising: a base; a leg attached to the base; a torso attached to the leg; a head attached to the torso; movable arms attached to the torso; and springy attachments between at least two of the base and the leg in an ankle area, parts of the leg in a knee area, the leg and the torso in a waist area, and the torso and the head in a neck area; wherein the springy attachments cause the human form sparring dummy to rebound from strikes to present a moving target.
 6. A human form sparring dummy as in claim 5, wherein the human form sparring dummy rebounds at least partially laterally.
 7. A human form sparring dummy as in claim 5, further comprising a second leg attached between the torso and the base.
 8. A human form sparring dummy as in claim 7, further comprising one or more springy attachments between at least one of the second leg and the torso, parts of the second leg, and the second leg and the base.
 9. A human form sparring dummy as in claim 5, wherein at least one of the springy attachments consists of flexible metal with memory.
 10. A human form sparring dummy as in claim 9, wherein the flexible metal with memory consists of a spring.
 11. A human form sparring dummy as in claim 5, wherein at least one of the springy attachments comprises rubber or elastic plastic. 